With the Capitals' regular season approaching, the team suddenly has a goalie issue on their hands. Number one keeper Semyon Varlamov is struggling with some sort of injury, and coach Bruce Boudreau indicated he will not play in Friday's opener against the Thrashers.
It seems all but a certainty that Michal Neuvirth will start Friday night's season opener at Atlanta. Now the question is whether Varlamov will be able to go in Saturday's home opener against the New Jersey Devils.
"I doubt it, right now." Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau said when asked if Varlamov could start on Saturday "But we'll see how tomorrow's practice goes and we'll see how he does." Boudreau also said Varlamov will travel with the team with Atlanta, which is significant.
It's not clear what Varlamov's injury is, but he hasn't played since September 22.